THE WI NEWSLETTER 01/14

THE WI NEWSLETTER


Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 173 January 2014








Come join us for the 14th annual Clarksburg Picnic held in Sarasota, FL. The date is March 8, 2014 ---the SECOND Saturday in March. I don't think there are too many places in Florida where you can't drive to and from Sarasota for the picnic. Sarasota is located about half way (give or take a few minutes) between St. Petersburg/Clearwater and Ft. Myers

The picnic will be held at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road in Sarasota (Exit 205 off of I- 75) at the same location where we have been for the last 13 years. We meet and start around 10:00 and help set up and start getting acquainted. This way you can see everyone as they arrive. We visit until sometime around 1:00 when everything is ready we start to eat. (If you think you will be hungry before that, we are ready for that too….we have a table set aside with some of the food that you can nibble on to hold you over until we eat the main meal). We visit, we laugh, tell the same old stories and laugh even more. We share pictures with one another and often see some people we haven't seen in a year or 50 years. We see people from all the high schools all over the county. If you want to plan a family or class reunion in Sarasota around that time…we would love to have all of you at our Annual Clarksburg Picnic on March 8, 2014.

I hope we have the biggest crowd ever this year. We all deserve it after the winter we have had. (Well, the weather here in Florida has been nice.)

Now what you need to do…

First and most important---you have to tell me the number of people in the group that will be coming with you. You see, I want everyone to have a plate, napkin, silverware and 2 or 3 WV style hot dogs to enjoy. You can email me at Roleta1@aol.com.

Second--You need to bring your own drinks….if you bring any alcoholic drink it must be concealed.

Third---You need to bring some food to share….covered dish, etc. We love home cooked, special recipes, etc. but, if you are staying overnight on Friday and Saturday night….you can stop by Publix or Sam's or any large grocery and buy a dish to share.

Fourth---Bring some cash to put in the hat when passed to help cover the overhead expenses. And cash or check to buy tickets for the quilt drawing.

THAT'S ALL

About 30 or so people come to the picnic and stay in a local motel. It is sort of a mini reunion of friends—old and new--- The motel is about a 15 to 20 minute drive to the park where the picnic is held.

If you want to spend Friday, or Saturday night or even both of them, you might want to stay in the motel where some of the others stay. It is first come, first serve on the rooms that are set aside. So reserve your room early.

Below is the motel information.

Country Inn and suites, 5610 Manor Hill Lane,. Bradenton, FL Exit 217, off I-75 Phone: 941-363-4000 or 1-855-873-6557 Tell them you with the Clarksburg, WV Group

March 7-9.

If you want any information re: the motel, you can contact Fred Alvaro who will answer any questions.

Fred Alvaro (WI 1959) Falvaro33@aol.com

REMEMBER: MARCH IS MOVING IN ON US VERY QUICKLY SO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION NOW!

Just contact Roleta1@aol.com with any questions or to tell me you will be here!



GENEROUS READERS

Those who gave to the WIN Scholarship are listed below. Each name was placed on the designated number of tickets.

Mary Wilke (WI 1955) thank you so much for entering into the drawing.

Sally Pulice Thank you for your gift to the scholarship fund.

John Teter (WI 1961) Thank you for your continued support

Dick Fitch (WI 1965) Thank you for your gift.

Barb Charles Thanks for your continued support over the years.

Sam Selario Thank you for the check, your tickets are in the drawing.

Sharon DiMaria (WI 1961) Thanks for giving to the Scholarship

Terry Shorr (WI 1958) Thanks Terry for your continuing support of the WI Newsletter.

Some sent money to the scholarship this month but requested no tickets for the quilt drawing…Thank you for your support.



AND THE BAND WAS…….


submitted by: Tom Crowley (ND '61 - married to Annette Flanigan Crowley, RW '75)
tfcrowley5@comcast.net

Chuck Warner lives in Fairmont - Studio Photographer; Larry Shoonmaker became a Pastor (passed on now) and his son Matt is BandLand in Clarksburg - great guy; Jim Holbert was from Fairmont - moved to Australia and is a retired Jazz Band teacher; Dr. Noble Turner lives in Hawaii; Chip Thompson owns Fairmont Trucking Co.; and Ron Prince lives in Bridgeport and is retired WV Dept. of corrections administrator.



submitted by: Bill Wilkins (Fairmont Senior High School '61)
bwilkins@shentel.net

My name is William Wilkins and I graduated from FSHS, in 1961. I heard them a 100 times. Jim Holbert is one of my BFF's. The one and only "EMERALDS" Jim Holbert [sax player] and I, have been "Buds" since our mid-teens. The Emeralds played every Fri. nite at the Melody Manor (a huge dance nite club in Fairmont). It burned to the ground decades ago, but it was the place to go, and the Emeralds packed the house, then "rocked it". On Sat. nite they played at a place called "Billies Meadowbrook" located between Monongah and Shinston. They packed and rocked. There were many bands at that time (60's), but the Emeralds were the classiest. They were a rock 'n roll band, that kept up with the current billboard hits. They quickly developed a huge playlist, which fueled their popularity. They were all amazing musicians, and Ron Prince (vocalist) had a beautiful voice with tremendous range, which allowed him to sing all the different songs they needed, to perform. Sometimes people would stop dancing, and just listen. As their popularity grew, the demand for them grew, and they would play many different venues throughout N.WVa and E.Ohio. After college, they all went their own ways. Jim and a couple of his frat. bro's trekked across Europe and Asia, even through the 'Khyber Pass"

Jim eventually ended up in Sydney, Australia, where he settled down, got married, and raised a family. Jim is a world traveler. He has been everywhere, some places I never heard of, and he always sends me pictures. When he comes stateside, I come from Virginia and we pick him up at the Bridgeport Airport. He spends a few days with his BFFs, I could listen to him for hours. Then he and his old remaining band members usually have a reunion. We e-mail daily and Skype regularly. I knew all the band members, but mainly Jim



EDITOR'S NOTE: I received the following in response to the picture:

submitted by: Ron Prince (VHS '60)
musicman922@msn.com

Great band from the 60's and 70's - the Emeralds - all were students from Fairmont State College and most were Fraternity brothers from Theta Xi Fraternity. Ron Prince was from Victory - I believe and the Key board player, Chip Thompson, just retired from another local famous band - Rick K and the Allnighters.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Of course being curious, I started asking of the above person and found out more about the band: His reply:

My name is Ron Prince. I live in Bridgeport WV. I started playing with the Emeralds in 1959.

I quit playing music about 1991 and a couple of the guys played with other groups for a while but none play commercially now. One of the sax players now lives in Australia and does play in a group of sax players. Most of which were his students over the years. He was a music educator there. His name is Jim Holbert and I think the group plays for the enjoyment rather than commercially.

The other sax player, Chuck Warner, has a photography business in Fairmont WV.

The keyboard player, Chip Thompson, played with a local show group called Rick K and The Alnighters for several years. Chip owns a truck repair company in Fairmont.

The bass player, Noble Turner, now resides in Hawaii and is a psychologist.

The drummer, Larry Schoonmaker, became a pastor and died at the age of 39 from a heart attack.

I was the lead singer and guitar player in the band.

The band eventually evolved into a group known as Easy Street with Chip and myself included played for the remainder of the years in the area with other drummers and bass players.

Just for the record Chuck Warner went to Bridgeport, Jim Holbert West Fairmont, Chip Thompson East Fairmont, Noble Turner Grafton High and Larry Schoonmaker went to Sissonville High.

This particular version of the band came together at Fairmont State.

I left the area for a while after college and ended up playing as a single. When I moved back the single became a duo, then a trio and eventually regained the name of the Emeralds.

Little bit of trivia and remorse here. That white Gibson guitar was a 1961 Les Paul Custom that I paid $500 for in 1961. It was considered to be the finest guitar of the time.

Had I kept it and had it reconditioned it would be worth $20,000 now OUCH!!



A LETTER OF REQUEST

submitted by: Jesse Scott (Salem High School '62)

If I qualify, I would like to be added to the mailing list. I have read several editions and am impressed with the information provided and the great effort you put into the newsletter.

I graduated from Salem High School in 1962 and played basketball and baseball with and against many from Clarksburg and Bridgeport. Also, I went to WVU with many from Clarksburg and roomed with Bob White, WI class of '63 and lived in a fraternity house with many from Harrison County, many of whom were WI graduates. I have lived in the Hurricane, WV area for the past forty years.

If I could be on the list, I would appreciate it.

Best wishes to you and your family for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Anyone is welcome to join us in enjoying things about our schools, city, county and state….Thank you for writing.



NEW OR CHANGED EMAIL ADDRESSES

David Shinn (RW '57) dshinn2@comcast.net
Suzanne (Suzie) Hemsworth Kyle (WI '70) skyle@charter.net
Janet Wilkinson (WI '57) jan.s.wilkinson@gmail.com
Alice Blanche Crim Chenoweth Collins Lehner (WI '55) abccc@att.net
Michael Elyard (WI '76) New email: melyard304@gmail.com
Website: www.michaelelyard.com/
Ray Carter (WI '62) raycarter2001@yahoo.com
Jesse Scott (Salem High School '62) jessescott2@yahoo.com
Patricia HICKMAN Cravey (WI '61) New email: rob.cravey@frontier.com
Tom Crowley (ND '61) - married to
Annette Flanigan Crowley (RW '75)		 tfcrowley5@comcast.net
Jim Callis (WI 1950-1951)( Greenbrier Military 51-53) oozerbang@hotmail.com
Bob Patterson (VHS '54) james22055@aol.com
Bob Griffith (WI '54) regr635@gmail.com




GARY POLING

This month Gary Poling passed away. He was a former WI and RC Byrd teacher. He died at 67. Did you know him? Was he your teacher? What did he teach? What made him so special? What year did you have him as your teacher? I don't know anything about him other than what is in his obit located in our Obituary section.

I saw on FaceBook that many people admired him. Talk to some of your class mates, ask them to write to me about Mr. Poling. I will devote a section to him in the January issue if I receive some information about him.

Thank you:

Write to: Roleta1@aol.com



MEMORIES

submitted by: Margaret Bailey (WI '62)

Here is a memory of mine from 1961-1962. For those of you who live out of town, please be aware that the old Greyhound Bus Terminal is in the process of being demolished. Under several years of private ownership, it fell into massive disrepair, and hence, is being demolished by the present owners....Centra, the local bus company!

Well, anyway this old memory just popped into my head. During our senior year of high school, I was one of the Editors of the "Hilltop" After our wonderful Hilltop staff would get all of the articles written and ready for print, we would do a lot of measurements, typing and preparation for printing.

When everything was ready, Glyde Bailey would put everything in big envelopes and I would walk with them to the bus station. They were sent by one of the local buses (the Reynolds line) to Buckhannon to the people who printed the Buckhannon Republican Delta newspaper.

When they printed the papers in Buckhannon, they would ship them back to us and we would head back to the bus station to get them. Then we would get them ready for the students....."all of the news of the most wonderful school...our beloved Washington Irving High School !"



THE WIN SCHOLARSHIP QUILT TO BE AWARDED ON MARCH 8, 2014
ORDER YOUR TICKETS NOW

Time is running out---order your tickets now. You have less than 2 months to order your tickets Cut off date for purchasing tickets is February 28, 2014 unless you attend the Clarksburg Reunion Picnic where we will be selling tickets.

You receive 6 tickets for $5.00, 12 tickets for $10.00, 24 tickets for $20.00, 36 tickets for $30.00 and so forth until you have the tickets you want.

Send me your check and I will put the tickets in the box for you for the drawing. Due to the cost of postage, I no longer send ticket stubs via mail. Believe me it is all handled honestly. We have several people at the picnic who can verify that the drawing of the ticket is honestly done and the winning number is verified as belonging to the proper person.

Just write your check to Roleta Meredith c/o WIN Scholarship and mail it to me at:

Roleta Meredith
3201 Charles MacDonald Dr.
Sarasota, FL 34240

Why are we doing this, you ask? The readers of the WI Newsletter have been sending money to me since 2005 for the WIN Scholarship Fund. In that time we have given forward to Clarksburg $44,000.00 in scholarships to RC Byrd High School Graduates. We have recently made enough money that we have been able to give 2 each $3,000.00 scholarships each year. I don't know if we will make that much this year though.

Mary Sue Selby Moats came up with the idea of making a quilt each year to raise funds for the scholarship. Several ladies have very generously been making a quilt square each year and sending it to Mary who finishes up the quilt and we sell tickets for the drawing held each March. This has become our major money maker for the scholarship.

NO GIFT TO THE SCHOLARSHIP IS TOO SMALL OR TOO LARGE.


The above quilt squares were made by Mary Harbert Nophsker WI 1958 and Elaine Zabeau Norteman ND 1962




The above quilt square was made by Sherry Hutchinson Keith WI 1964



MY ANCESTORS

submitted by: Charles Ferrell (WI '46)

Here is some information about my ancestor Col George Eskridge as found on Family Tree Maker's Genealogy Site.

He was seized in Wales, Lancashire, England by a press gang and put on a ship to Virginia in 1670 and sold to a Virginia planter as an indentured servant for 8 years. He then went back to England to get a law degree and returned to northern Virginia in 1696. He served in the House of Burgesses and had 12,000 acres at Sandy Point. He became the guardian of Mary Ball after the death of both of her parents. She spent her girlhood in the Eskridge home and later married a neighbor, Augustine Washington at Sandy Point. When the first child was born, the son was named after her much-loved guardian, George, who was a friend of the Washingtons, Lees and Carters of Virginia. This was General George Washington and our first president. George had the title of Col because he was a member oh the House of Burgesses.

If you go down to the 354 list of descendants you will find Sarah Jane Pipes who married my great grandfather Benjamin Franklin Ferrell and includes the name of my grandfather, Madison Ferrell.



DID YOU SEE IT?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Have you read the WI History? Segment 2 is available this month. You can go to the Archive any time and click on the button marked WI HISTORY and you will go directly to the history. Isn't that great? It is always there for you to enjoy. Tim Cork was so kind to do this WI History exclusively for the WI Newsletter. It took Tim 12 to 15 hours each day for months to put it all together. He says it may never be done as people are so nice to keep sending him things and he will keep adding to it so you can keep checking back and see new things from time to time.. It is a wonderful piece of history and you will learn a lot about WI that I guarantee you did not know! If you have read it, won't you please send us a note? Your response is like a thank you note or a paycheck to us. If you don't write to us we have to figure you aren't reading the newsletter or the history.

Write to me at Roleta1@aol.com and tell me how much you like what you are reading in the History and in our newsletter. If you have anything for Tim to add to the history you can either contact him or send me a note and I will get your information to him.



submitted by: Jim Alvaro (WI '56)

Tim Cork did one hell of a job with the history of WI. I can't wait until the next newsletter comes out to read his next entry. I know you worry about the newsletter fading out but to me Roleta it gets stronger. Thanks to you, Judy, Bill, and now Tim. Hope Bill is doing well. Hope you have a wonderful holiday. Merry Christmas...........Jim



submitted by: Nancy Swing (WI '61)

Special thanks for sending along the first installment of the WI History. It was especially fascinating to see so many of our teachers at the beginning of their careers. They looked so young and fresh. Of course they had lives before we entered the picture, but somehow I expect most of us lost sight of that. It's good to be reminded how lucky we were to have them in our lives.

See you (and lots of others, I hope) in June.



submitted by: Cinda ONeill
cindaoneill@comcast.net

To: tpcork@bellsouth.net

I just wanted to thank you for putting together the WI history. I enjoyed part 1 and look forward to the rest. The photos that you have included are wonderful. I especially liked seeing the home that stood where WI was built.

Again thank you for doing this.



submitted by: Jim Ashley (WI '62)
jashley4@cox.net

To: tpcork@bellsouth.net

Tim, just wanted to say that your history of WI left my jaw on the floor. What amazing photos and accompanying history!! Can't begin to thank you for taking the time to put this together. Hope you all are doing well and that you are looking forward to a wonderful Christmas season.

Hope to see you at one of the monthly dinners. I've only made it down for one, but great to see everyone who makes it.



submitted by: Blair Gloss (WI '61)

I really enjoyed reading the first segment of the WI History – IT WAS GREAT!!! My mother went to WI in the 30's, so I will be particularly interested in reading that part of the history.



submitted by: Bryan McIntyre (WI '65)

I thoroughly enjoyed installment #1 of the history of WI in the December WI Newsletter.

Looking forward to the next 6 installments!



HOT DOGS

submitted by: Bob Patterson (VHS '54)
james22055@aol.com

Subj: If I may go back a little on hot dogs
I remember Ritzy Lunch as having great hot dogs. I stopped in there just a few weeks ago on our way from Buckhannan to Williamstown. I understand they have been there for over 80 years. Talked to the owner a very nice man. He was just closing but he let us in. Another good place was the Candyland in Adamston. A Greek family were the owners. I worked at Robert's Esso at East Pike and Oak streets. There was a place called the East Inn Lunch and across the street was Roots Grill, they would get into a hot dog war, remember getting hot dogs for 6 cents a piece. What a great time to live in. Enjoy the letter very much.




THIS AND THAT

submitted by: Jim Callis (Greenbrier 1953)
oozerbang@hotmail.com

Kudos on the 15th......the Canteen beer joint was owned and operated by Jim Heitz and his wife...they lived one street over from 426 Duff...and behind Marilyn Creighton's house...they had a mean chow who bit me....they had nice son and daughter and was best friends with Tommy Lane.....the parents were tragically killed in an auto accident on the way to see their son graduate from college.....the son, Jim jr was grief stricken at the Milford Street Methodist Church memorial service....our life can change so quick.....Ida's was the top beer joint during the 40s....she had great chili hot dogs....it was near Curry's Narket. you are too young to recall.....Stealey had its share of stumble bums and door to door gypsies selling bric brac. Sonny Kade and Laura Bell and her little sister lived across from the EUB church which will be imploded soon i heard...my 88 year old sister Virginia lives at 318 Duff...she is still funny....sorry about my buddy Jud Martin....we were close at gms and we both played on the 1953 undefeated football team....Jud had a great pair of brass knucks we wore in Charleston on our bus layover from Clarksburg....I'll miss Juddy.....a loyal friend.....this is more than you wanted to know.....my biggest mistake at WI was being the cartoonist for the Hilltop newspaper.....Clay B. Hite was angry of his caraciture I made of him.....he was on my back till I left for my junior year at Greenbrier.....I spelled caricature wrong....forgive me.....Hite was the celebrated football coach....I had to go to Greenbrier to play basketball and football....best wishes



submitted by: Larry Jett (RW '56)

I am pleased that Bill Bryant made several contributions to the last newsletter. He graduated from R-W the year after I did. He certainly was a good student--if my memory doesn't fail me. Therefore, it is no surprise that he became a druggist.



submitted by: Eugene Jaumot (VHS '54)
VictoryHi54@aol.com

This tipple came clear out to Pike Street. In the background you can see the Clarksburg Brewery.





MARK YOUR CALENDAR
JUNE 21, 2014
WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL DAY

submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith (WI '59)
Roleta1@aol.com

This is the date of the big WI High School Centennial Celebration. Just think of it as a big reunion. Anyone who ever attended Washington Irving is invited to attend. (Oh, and spouses are included in the invitation also). The get together will start on the Court House Square. I am sure that there will be dignitaries speaking and recognitions made and friends having fun together. Each month I put in the newsletter the latest updates from the committee. They didn't meet in December so I received no report. However, that doesn't make it any less important.

Here is what is important…YOU COMING????? If so, you need to contact the person who is your class representative so they will know how many will be showing up. There is nothing worse than having a party and wondering is someone is coming and then at the last minute finding out---- Surprise, everyone you invited is coming! Now we don't want that to happen. I am going to be there and I hope to see you or meet you there.

Do you have any questions? Do you need to make your reservations? I am doing you a favor this month and I am going to list all the contacts one more time. Do yourself a favor, get a piece of paper and a pencil and write down the name and the phone number of your contact right now!! And make that call as soon as you finish reading the newsletter. Don't delay! Do it Today!

Dick and Joanne (Simpson) Tetrick (304-842-0733), graduates of 1940-1955;
Joy Gregoire DeFazio (304-969-9179) or Carolyn Pinella Warne (304-622-4261), graduates of 1956-1959;
Sara L. Howe (304-624-6967), 1960-1969;
Sharon Underwood (304-622-4081), 1970-1979;
Staci Nutter (contact WI Middle School 304-624-3271), 1980-1989; and Tim Dyer (304-625-6078), 1990-1995.



WERE YOU A PRODIGALS FAN?
Read this and write a note to Chuck Collins


submitted by: David Echols
dddnechols@gmail.com

First, I just want to say "Thank You" for opening this email. I found all of your email addresses on a website for WIHS, which I believe to be Washington Irving High School.

My father in law is Chuck Collins, who sang with The Prodigals. Google searches led me to the WI page that had all of you talking about him or the group in some manner. Which is why I am contacting each of you.

I'm trying to put together a video or a scrapbook from his younger days, back in Clarksburg. I was going to print off the stuff you posted and put it into a scrapbook, but I think if there was something you could write that would be personally directed toward Chuck, it would be incredible.

I'll make this email short, because I know those postings were from a few years ago. Please, if you get this, reply.

I would love to surprise him with some good memories from his past. Please also, if you know Earl Tucker, send him our love and let him know we are praying for him and his family.

Thank you all for your time and I would love to hear from you.

NOTE: Send a note to Chuck Collins by writing to dddnechols@gmail.com or Roleta1@aol.com whichever way you feel most comfortable. David did write to tell me that Chuck really enjoyed what some of you had already written to him about the Prodigals.

NOTE: John Teter was one of the people that contacted Dave. Please read below:

On Mon, Dec 2, 2013 at 4:18 AM, jateter@aol.com wrote

To David:
Attached is a copy of a Prodigals record that I have. It is not an "original copy", as my first wife's name was MARCIA and she decided at the time of our divorce to just throw the original away.
So, I had it remade.

John Teter
WI, 1961

To John,
Thank you for your reply. Sorry for such a late response. I'm sure he will get a kick out of what happened, and why, to your original record.

Thanks,

Dave



COME HOME TO WEST VIRGINIA

Charlie McClung sent this to me….

Roleta:
I may have run this in a newsletter before but it is well worth sharing one more time. I Love this song and these pictures. Just click on the underlined blue letters and sit back and enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szt9NTV4Ldc&list=RDKWtLQnQpDoc




WHERE DID/OR DO YOU HUNT?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com.

submitted by: Brooke Beall (ND '58)

One of the things that I value most about my growing up in WV is the tradition of "deer camp". I have been going to Romney, WV to hunt with friends and family since I was about 30 years old. That makes it about 43 years, this year. Before the hunting camp, my brother and our sons hunted a farm in Harrison County, usually on Thanksgiving Day morning. You have heard the saying, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", well there is also a saying about hunting camps. "What is said in hunting camp, stays in hunting camp". Lots of secrets are told during the week in the mountains, and they don't leave the camp. Our camp is a 10' wide by 38' long trailer. Bunk beds, three rooms and a path. No running water, but we do have satellite TV.



GUESS WHO



Do you know any of these cuties? Check out those awful gym suits. They were a blue denim like material and were NOT comfortable. Send your guesses to Roleta1@aol.com. I can't wait to see if you recognize anyone (or yourself...LOL).



GOD BLESS AMERICA

submitted by: Sonja Grossa Alvaro (Bridgeport HS '58)

Frank Sinatra considered Kate Smith the best singer of her time, and said that when he and a million other guys first heard her sing "God Bless America" on the radio, they all pretended to have dust in their eyes as they wiped away a tear or two.

Here are the facts...

The link at the bottom will take you to a video showing the very first public singing of "GOD BLESS AMERICA". But before you watch it, you should also know the story behind the first public showing of the song.

The time was 1940. America was still in a terrible economic depression. Hitler was taking over Europe and Americans were afraid we'd have to go to war. It was a time of hardship and worry for most Americans.

This was the era just before TV, when radio shows were HUGE, and American families sat around their radios in the evenings, listening to their favorite entertainers, and no entertainer of that era was bigger than Kate Smith.

Kate was also large; plus size, as we now say, and the popular phrase still used today is in deference to her, "It ain't over till the fat lady sings". Kate Smith might not have made it big in the age of TV, but with her voice coming over the radio, she was the biggest star of her time.

Kate was also patriotic. It hurt her to see Americans so depressed and afraid of what the next day would bring. She had hope for America, and faith in her fellow Americans. She wanted to do something to cheer them up, so she went to the famous American song-writer, Irving Berlin (who also wrote "White Christmas") and asked him to write a song that would make Americans feel good again about their country. When she described what she was looking for, he said he had just the song for her.

He went to his files and found a song that he had written, but never published, 22 years before - way back in 1917. He gave it to her and she worked on it with her studio orchestra. She and Irving Berlin were not sure how the song would be received by the public, but both agreed they would not take any profits from God Bless America. Any profits would go to the Boy Scouts of America. Over the years, the Boy Scouts have received millions of dollars in royalties from this song.

This video starts out with Kate Smith coming into the radio studio with the orchestra and an audience. She introduces the new song for the very first time, and starts singing. After the first couple verses, with her voice in the background still singing, scenes are shown from the 1940 movie, "You're In The Army Now." At the 4:20 mark of the video you see a young actor in the movie, sitting in an office, reading a paper; it's Ronald Reagan.

To this day, God Bless America stirs our patriotic feelings and pride in our country. Back in 1940, when Kate Smith went looking for a song to raise the spirits of her fellow Americans, I doubt whether she realized just how successful the results would be for her fellow Americans during those years of hardship and worry..... and for many generations of Americans to follow. Now that you know the story of the song, I hope you'll enjoy it and treasure it even more.

Many people don't know there's a lead in to the song since it usually starts with "God Bless America....." So here's the entire song as originally sung.

Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?feature=player_embedded&v=TnQDW-NMaRs#%21




OUR THANKS TO THOSE WHO SERVED

submitted by: Charles Ferrell (WI '46)

Sixty three years ago five boys from WI were drafted on Dec 4, 1950 for the Korean Conflict. We were drafted into Company C Armored Infantry Battalion, Third Armored Division during a heavy snowfall. War was never declared.

EDITOR'S NOTE: On behalf of all the readers, I wish to thank you and all who served our country.



MUSIC FROM THE PAST

Someone spent an enormous amount of time creating this. Music of the past and videos to go with the song. There are also some unexpected treats such as Red Skeltons Pledge of Allegiance. I have seen a lot of juke box sites but none that equal this. Give it a spin.

http://www.1959bhsmustangs.com/VideoJukebox.htm




THE BAILEY FAMILY

Last month we shared with you a picture of the empty lot where the Bailey home formerly was located. I doubt if there is one of us who lived during that era that still believe that the beautiful Bailey home located on Milford Street is no longer in existence.

submitted by: David Watson (known by many as Bear) (WI '64)

I have not been to Clarksburg for several years, but it's hard to believe the Bailey house is gone. It was still in great shape the last time I saw it. For many of us in the neighborhood the Bailey's property was like another playground. We played football in their yard, basketball in their drive, and even went sled riding in their back yard. I can never remember being told "go play somewhere else".




Who designed the Washington Irving High School Seal?






MEMORIES OF PARKETTE


Picture Posted in Facebook by Richard Duez

submitted by: Roleta (WI '59)

I remember the best onion rings ever were found at the Parkette. I also remember that it was located just before you made the big cross over Bridgeport hill. Marsha Woods often got to drive her mother's pale yellow Mercury. A beautiful car. But in the winter when the roads were bad, one parent of the other would always warn her not to go over Bridgeport Hill. So she would almost go over, just to the top, just to the Parkette.



submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)

I remember the Parkette well, as it was our "intermission getaway" when Bill Post and I were going to the Bridgeport Civic Center dances on Saturday nights. We would take our "ladies" to the Parkette during intermission, and then come back following intermission. The intermission must have been longer than most intermissions are these days, as by the time we drove from the Civic Center to the Parkette, ordered something to eat, eat and then get back to the Civic Center would have taken more than 15 minutes.

I remember going to the Parkette one time after I had moved from Clarksburg and the Parkette had moved from on top of Bridgeport Hill to the place it now is, above Harry Green Chevrolet. My son and I picked up hoagies from the Parkette, as we were headed to Broaddus Avenue to pick up my mother to bring her back to Virginia with us for a visit. The food from the new location of the Parkette just did not seem to be as good as it was "back in the day" and/or "back in the original location". That was my one and only visit to the Parkette at its new location.



ANTIQUES ROAD SHOW

submitted by: Charles Farrell (WI '46)

A few weeks ago my daughter Kim, granddaughter Marylyn and I went to an antiques roadshow at Asbury Methodist Village where my wife Donnie Sue worked for over 22 years. I took several of the aircraft models that I built in my home workshop while in junior high school during WWII and a letter which had been sent to my dad during World War I thanking him for his service. He was in the AEF in France. I also had a letter from General Pershing. We were only allowed to have two items so I showed a navy seaplane and the letter from King George of England thanking him for fighting the battle for freedom.

J.M. Flanigan of Flanigan Antiques of Baltimore was the reviewer. He indicated that the model plane which was used to train military personnel in aircraft identification was worth in the range of $100 to $150 and the letter from the King of England was not worth much since it was produced by machine by the thousands.

I had seen this reviewer many times on the TV Antiques Roadshow.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This just proves that we never know what something will be worth. I just know I have given or thrown away things that now would be very valuable. Have you ever found or received something that turned out to be valuable? What is it? If you found it, where did you find it? Or if it was given to you, why did that person give it to you?



MYSTERY PICTURE



submitted by: Marlene Parsons Andre (RW '53)

I believe it is the Checker Board feed store, located at West Pike St. and Milford St. Looks like that building, do not know if it is still at that site!

I miss my Clarksburg!



submitted by: Randy Martin (WI '74)

Is this the building that was situated on the north end of the Stealey Bridge and next to the railroad tracks that crossed the triangle of Pike and Milford? I remember it being a dry cleaning shop in the 60's and it eventually became a flea market or a second hand shop.

I remember the wall facing north had a Ralston Purina advertisement painted on it which always made me believe it had been a farm feed and fertilizer store, which this picture seems to depict.



submitted by: Irv Miller (WI '61)

I think it was the West End Feed Store at one time and then became Southern States. I am sure it was Southern States at one time and yes it was at the corner of Milford and Pike Street by the bridge.



submitted by: Jeanne Webster (Doris Jean Walters) (WI '59)

I'm not sure, but the mystery picture looks like the old Checkerboard Feed Store located on Main Street next to the bridge that goes into Stealey.



submitted by: Dave Rowe (WI '62)

The picture is of the Clarksburg Feed Store. It was located in the West End just after you crossed the railroad track on Milford going toward Stealey.



submitted by: Bill Strickler (WI '53)

The mystery picture looks like the ice plant at the foot of Locust Avenue (Clarksburg Ice?). It bordered on Elk Creek. I used to go there on hot days and pick up chunks of ice laying around the loading dock. You could also get unflavored "snow cone" ice chips around the saw machine that etched lines on the ice that helped the delivery man divide the huge chunks into the proper size and weight when he delivered to homes and businesses.



submitted by: Jim and Jean Hornor (Jim - WI '59)

If I am not mistaken this is a picture of the West End Feed Store at the intersection of Milford and West Pike Street.

Managed by Mr Forrest Randolph at the time it burned to down. Date?? They had two sons, John and Bill. Both of which were polio victims. Probably in the mid fifths. Also a daughter. Don't remember her name. John would be about 68 years old and the others are younger. They moved to Pennsylvania prior to high school.



submitted by: Mary Sue Clark Spahr (WI '56)

I think the mystery picture is a feed store. I think it was on West Pike Street, but I am anything but certain. My memory is fading.



submitted by: Cathy Kay Strogen (WI '65)
tjs3415@aol.com

I believe that was a feed store...just not sure of the name.



submitted by: Bob Griffith (WI '54)
Regr635@gmail.com

I think it is the feed store that sat at the end of the bridge on MIlford St. I worked there the summer of 1953 unloading boxcars of feed and delivering feed 9 hours a day, $.75 per hour.

Thank you and the others for all the work involved in putting out the newsletter each month



submitted by: Ray Carter (WI '62)
raycarter2001@yahoo.com

I believe this is the old feed store that was located near Stealey. I think it was the west end of Clarksburg. Back in the day, the A&P was just around the corner. In the 70s, my wife and I owned a craft store called Carter's Emporium in the building. For a time we lived in the back of the store as we were building a new house out on Davison Run. The only pic I could find was after we rented the building and put up some temporary signs of the coming store.





THE MYSTERY PICTURE FOR JANUARY


Can you identify the above picture? Please take a guess, I only print the correct ones. If you want to play our game, write your guess to Roleta1@aol.com.





FAVORITE TEACHER

At first this mail was lost in cyberspace, then she sent it to me and it got overlooked in my mail. Sorry, here it is:


submitted by: Lucy Ropp Hornor (WI '54)


One of my favorite teachers at WI was Miss Josephine Swiger. I liked her because she was the youngest teacher there it seemed, and was always friendly to me and smiled. I had her for English and also as sponsor for B Square. I believe she also helped with the yearbook. She seemed genuinely interested in me as a person and not just as a student. After we moved back to Clarksburg in 1963, I would see her occasionally around town or at events or reunions and she remembered me and asked about our family and again, seemed more like an older friend than a teacher. I always admired her for her calmness and serenity and friendly attitude.



READERS…re:..TEACHERS

Who was your favorite or least favorite teacher while you were in school? Either grade school, junior high school or high school? Or as the younger people today refer to it…elementary school or middle school? Anybody can reply to this, no matter where you went to school.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com



WHERE WERE YOU WHEN JOHN F. KENNEDY WAS SHOT?

submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)

I can remember exactly where I was when JFK was killed, just like it was yesterday. I was working for a printing company in Arlington, Virginia on November 22, 1963 and a bunch of my co-workers and I had gone to a Chinese Restaurant on Lee Highway in Arlington for lunch. The restaurant did not have a TV at that time, but they did have a radio which they turned up so that all of the patrons at the restaurant could hear what was going on. After we finished lunch, we all went back to our office, but not to work. Everyone at the company was listening to the radio over the PA system that the company had.

I also remember being in the line of people along Pennsylvania Avenue and/or Independence Avenue when they had the funeral procession, as I was living in Washington, D.C. at the time. A bunch of the people living in the rooming house where I was living and I walked down 16th Street and positioned ourselves to await the motorcade.

I later visited the gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery.



submitted by: Blair Gloss (WI '61)

I was walking across the drill field at Va Tech heading to the dorm after class when someone ran up and announced that Kennedy had been shot! This was a very sobering time for me with all that was happening. First there was the Cuban crisis then the Kennedy assassination. I had transferred from W.V. U. to Va Tech and had no friends there and I was home sick and lonely. With the assassination of Kennedy I was sure the world was coming to an end.



submitted by: John Cooper (WI '51)

When JFK was killed, the Liberty Grade school right outside Adamstown in Clarksburg was getting a float ready for the Clarksburg Christmas Parade. My kids were helping push color tissues in the wire netting for the float when the parade was cancelled. I was also watching like so many on my black and white TV that Sunday following when Oswald was shot by Ruby. It topped the shock of that Dec.7, 1941 when my dad and mother had taken a joy ride in the family 1937 Ford with me along that mild winter afternoon only to have my sister and her boy friend greet us in the old swing on our backyard to say the Japanese had just bombed Pearl Harbor. My dad, foreman of the C & P Telephone building on Trader's Avenue simply said, "Oh”. “Oh". He then went in the house and turned on the big old Sears radio in the living room. We listened to reports until after midnight. My older sister who is now 98 and in a local nursing home, worked in the D.C. Justice Department office and saw and talked to Bobby Kennedy almost every day. He signed a book she prized so much. She is also a WI Grad.!!!!



submitted by: Jim Callis (WI 50-51—Greenbrier Military Academy 1953)

I was a staff member of the World Bank. When my wife heard the shocking news and called me in an instant, I called my boss. Then the phones were all tied up for hours. People congregated to the TVs in the large dining rooms....J.F.K. shot dead??? Impossible!!! Employees were numb. Who would do this, L.B.J. ??? The next 4 days were history making. Most glued to their TV set, contemplating the future. My office was only one block from the White House and now so much activity at 1600 Penn. Ave. On the day of the funeral parade, we entertained many world dignitaries including Charles De Gaulle. Washington, D.C. was never the same! John F. Kennedy kept us laughing and we all admired Jackie. Finally some real celebrities leading our country but now horrifically assassinated. Jackie was lucky to have survived. The party was over. Goodbye Camelot. In fact, when Kennedy was a senator, I once raced him down Penn. Ave at 3pm. Me in my Studebaker Hawk and J.F.K. in his shiny black 59 Buick station wagon. He waved and laughed. I don't recall who won. Back then you had to watch out for the trolleys. I don't mean to be a name dropper, it was no big thing to talk to the Kennedys and even Mamie Eisenhour.



DO YOU REMEMBER

What was your favorite date for Valentine's Day? What was your favorite gift to receive? What was the favorite thing you did for someone else on Valentine's Day? Do you remember going to a Valentine's Dance? Where was it held, what was the group that put it on?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com about your Valentine's Day memories



PITTSBURGH PLATE GLASS COMPANY
SPECIALIZED IN FLAT GLASS
PICTURE TAKEN ABOUT 1930



submitted by: Eugene Jaumot (VHS '54)

THIS WAS TAKEN AROND 1930 PITTSBURG FLAT OFTEN CALLED PLATE GLASS. I HAVE A LARGE COLLECTION OF GLASS FACTORIES FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AND LOTS CLARKSBURG PICTURES.. SORRY ABOUT THE SPELLING AND TYPING, HAD MY WRIST AND HAND OP IN MORGANTOWN NOW I'AM LEFTY. I WILL SEND YOU A PICTURE OF CLARKSBURG LET MR KNOW IF YOY GET THE PHOTO



IT'S A SMALL WORLD

submitted by: Marolyn Tustin Jett (WI '56)

While on a recent cruise with two other couples, (all of us originally from WV) sitting by the pool speaking of Clarksburg we were overheard by a woman who was sitting nearby. She said "Are you talking about Clarksburg, WV?" We replied "Yes". She said she was from there, went to WI and graduated in '56! I said I graduated in '56. She was Sandra Sue Day who grew up in Stealey on Duncan Avenue and Park Boulevard. I grew up on Duff Ave. So, of course, we went all through school together. She and her husband live in NC. The cruise left from Ft. Lauderdale. This was on the first full day of the cruise and after that we saw each other several times on the ship and on the islands. What are the chances??!!


Here is another story of "it's a small world"!!
About a month ago my husband and I were in WV visiting relatives and attending his 60th HS class reunion in Pennsboro WV, (Ritchie County). When asked where I was from someone said they had a good friend from Clarksburg that they had known from College days and had both lived near each other in Delaware when their children were growing up. It turned out to be a former classmate from '56! He is Jim Harvey from Stealey, a neighbor and his family were members of the same church as mine. -(Stealey Heights Methodist on Milford St.) Since then I have been in touch with him and sent him the Nov. issue of the newsletter.


submitted by: Larry Jett (RW '56)

Hey, Two former C-burgers,

I read something interesting in the December newsletter! I am surprised that Jim Callis and Roleta are cousins. I read Jim's memories and parts of Roleta's family tree. As soon as I read Roleta's, I saw the connection.

As a favor to Jim, I have done some research on his family (and hope to get it to him before Christmas). His fifth great-grandfather is David Thompson, and Roleta says that he is her fourth great-grandfather. Jim's line comes through David's daughter Frances.

Aside: While doing Jim's research, I learned that he is a cousin to my wife, a California girl. It certainly is a small world.



DRIVER'S LICENSE

submitted by: Jim Alvaro (WI '56)

Roleta, I had a car before I had my license. I did manage to get a learners permit. I give all the credit to my buddy John Harrison. As I remember it goes like this. My Uncle Tony knew I was looking for a car. Our family had no car until much later after I left home to work. My dad said it was time for Jimmy to get a car. So we went to Philippi to get a car. We found a 1954 stick shift Chevy. We parked it in front of our house on Haymond Hwy in "Lower Broad Oaks." So I called John and told him what happened and I needed for him to teach me how to drive. Buddy John said "Alviiro", no problem." He came over and told me to get in the drivers seat. Now, remember I didn't know how to drive and remember this is a stick shift. I did know how to turn it on. Also, by watching my cousin Nick and Eddie drive, I knew where first to third gears were. So I turned the ignition switch on, without engaging the clutch. It jerked and jerked until I finally got it to move. Believe it or not, we managed to get it to Buckhannon Pike. John said to keep going. That was alright with me because I didn't want to start the car again. We headed past Suan(sp) Terrace, Nixon Plaza, Arbutus Park, Nutter Fort, Norwood, Stonewood, which I really think they are the same place.

John told me to keep going on past Quiet Dell where the road got narrow. After a while driving I started coming up on coal trucks. The road barely holds two cars side by side, let alone me with a coal truck for me to pass. John yells, "Pass 'Em." " I can't John, you're crazy." Pass them I did and the only thing that kept me from sliding off the road and flipping over was connection I must have had with the Big Guy up stairs. NO, not John. We managed to get near Buckhannon and turned around and headed back home. We made it, thank God. So, not smarting up, I asked John when we can go out again. He said how about Sat. and we can ask a couple more guys to come with us. I cannot remember the other fellows but believe it or not again, we went on my second lesson. We went to visit with our pal Roy Feldman in PITTSBURGH. My poor mom and dad had no idea what was going on with these driving lessons. I guess it turned out alright. I am still alive and still good friends with John.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Who taught you to drive? Did you have an unusual experience learning to drive? Write and share that experience with us, please.

Write to : Roleta1@aol.com



When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 25 cents a gallon? Guess we'd be better off leaving the car in the garage.



What was the cheapest gasoline you ever bought for your car? When was it? Do you even remember what kind of car you were putting gas into?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com with your cheap gas memories…



MEMORIES

submitted by: John Cooper (WI '51)

Another super newsletter.

Tim Cork's stuff is great and in wonderful detail.

Mystery picture:
I believe the mystery photo is the old West End Feed Store at West End-Clarksburg, sure looks looks like it. I do remember McGlumphy wearing spats, always dressed spiffy, my one uncle wore them. As a young kid I remember, I thought it was to keep his ankles warm from freezing in the WV weather.

Records:
I too have hundreds of early 78rpm records, including some Edison discs that were thicker than later records, also hundreds of 45rpm with the large hole in the center, then the 33 1/3rp, albums..many of us have them stored away, for what reason in the future?

Barber Shops:
Jimmy Larcaria and his dad cut me and my father's hair for many years. Jimmy's dad Frank passed away a few years ago. Jimmy has closed his Barber shop on Pike Street recently because of illness. Indeed their shop was used for Copoilla's "The Rain People" movie plus other scenes in Clarksburg-Bridgeport areas.

Keep the Newsletters coming!!!



DOWN BUT NOT OUT:

Some of you may have noticed that there was no Sports Section in the December newsletter. Most of the letters we receive are entered late in the month. Unfortunately, on November 22, I entered a local hospital for major surgery and spent the next 12- days there. In spite of coming to see me on a daily basis and being worried about my condition, Roleta still got the newsletter out, but without the sports. I'm very proud of her for doing that. She continued her record of never missing an edition in the more than fourteen years since she started.

I'm happy to report that I am feeling better each day and hope to continue doing the sports as long as you keep writing. Thanks to all of those who inquired about my progress and to those who kept us in your prayers. I found out that I have many, many friends and I cherish each one of them.

Bill Meredith (billmere@aol.com)



CATCHING UP

A lot of games have been played and a lot of news reported since I last wrote to you. Locally, Harrison County has another state champion. Bridgeport completed a fine football season, by beating Wayne in the state AA final. R C Byrd advanced to the semi-finals, before bowing to that same Wayne team. Congratulations to Bridgeport and all of the local teams that made it to the playoffs.

The WVU Mountaineers would probably just as soon forget their recent season. Finishing 4--8 was not what most of the coaches, players or fans had expected. As the season progressed, it became apparent that the team lacked the quality of depth required to compete in the Big 12 Conference. The defense was somewhat improved, but was still inadequate to win consistently. The offense lacked a consistent quarterback and still needs help on the offensive line and at wide receiver. Hopefully, help is on the way through experience and recruiting.

Finally, Bob Huggin's latest edition of WVU basketball has finished the pre-conference schedule with an 8--5 record. As everyone has said, they have beaten the teams they should have beaten (except Va. Tech), but have no quality wins. They are very young and miss their two top recruits, Elijah Macon and Jonathan Holton, who have failed to qualify at this time. Based on what I've seen, I feel they will be hard-pressed to break even in Big 12 play. If that happens, there will be no NCAA tournament this year.

Let's hope their play improves and I'm wrong. Huggs will be tough to live with if he has another losing season.

We'd love to hear from you on any sports subject. Send you thoughts and comments to:

Bill Meredith (billmere@aol.com)

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!



To Bill:

My old friend, Jimmy Callis, wrote last month about the "Clarksburg Tiremen" basketball team. You asked about them.

I have a lot of firsthand knowledge about that team. My stepfather, Bill Moorhouse, was the manager of the BF Goodrich Store on the Sixth Street Bridge. He had an industrial league basketball team in the late 40's. It was very good. He got with Frank Carpenter, who was the editor of the Clarksburg Telegram. Together, they worked up a plan to recruit recently-graduated college standouts and form a local "professional" team, named the B F Goodrich Tiremen . They would book "barnstorming" teams on Sunday afternoons at the Carmichael Auditorium.

Frank was responsible for publicity and booking touring teams. Bill was responsible for recruiting players and dealing with the administration (ticket sales, reserve seats, officials, booking the Carmichael and accounting). The arrangement was that there would be twelve partners--ten players plus Frank and Bill. Each week, right after the game, they would count the cash, deduct expenses (mostly rent of the Carmichael) and divide the balance by twelve and give each partner one twelfth. The plan came together for, I believe, the 1950 season. As it worked out, the pay for these young players was very good.

I can remember most of the players, but unfortunately not all. The WVU alumni were Jimmy Walthall, played both basketball and quarterback for the football team and quite an attraction to the ladies. Leland Byrd, quiet all-American and Clyde "Hard Times" Green, a great backcourt man and a funny guy. Also from Morgantown, was Jack Hines, an all-around super multi-sport athlete, who, at about 6 feet, could out-jump most big goons brought in by the opposition. Joe Pukach took Davis and Elkins to the national NAIA tournament and was named to the all-tournament team there. Joe was a short, stocky player, but was deadly from outside. From Fairmont State was Bill Blosser. The only Clarksburg player was Bill Martz. Bill was a great local talent and was carried over from the original industrial league Tiremen team.

I have named seven players. There were three more. My recollection was that they might have been former stars at Salem, Glenville State and West Virginia Wesleyan. The reason I say that is I remember my stepfather telling me that they each had a local following and that was a good marketing strategy for ticket sales. He was a businessman. If you look at a map, the players origins surrounded Clarksburg.

Of course the team was loaded and was a match or overmatch for any team booked in---except for the dreaded New York Broadway Clowns. The Globetrotters would not even consider booking into the Carmichael because it was too small. But they would send their #1 farm club at that time, the New York Braodway Clowns. They had a few big name has-beens and several, whose names were yet to be famous. Later in life, Jack Hines told me that Goose Tatum was one of those. I never knew that until then.

In order to get the Clowns to come in and pay them at their going-rate, it was necessary to play a double header on one day----Christmas Day. What the heck! Try it! Remember we are talking about 1950--no television--no NFL, no NBA.. Kids had a little change in their pockets and dads wanted to get away from it all.

What a huge success! The ticket prices stayed the same and the Carmichael was sold out for both of the games. The games were terrific. They played head-to-head basketball both games. As planned, the clock was turned off sometime in the middle of the second half while the Clowns did their entertaining show. Then the game resumed and the players played to win. I do not remember all the results, but I know that neither team swept the series. After those games the "professional" ball players took home more than $100 each. That was a huge payday back then.

I think the team lasted two years. After that, the core players moved on to better careers. My favorite memory was that I got to wipe the sweat off the faces of some very great athletic legends--I was the towel boy. Three decades later I took my mother to Jack Hines tire store in Morgantown. He remembered both my mother and me right away. I think my stepfather got him his first job in the tire business.

Bill Strickler, W I 1953

Reply To Bill:

What a neat story. I remember almost all of the players you mentioned. Walthall, Byrd and Green were my favorite WVU players and I recall Bill Blosser from Fairmont State. Jack Fleming brought us all of the action on the radio from the old Field House and I saw many of the Fairmont games at the Colebank gym. Many college stars of that era played on semi-pro teams after college. Bevo Francis from Rio Grande did it, as did Hot Rod Hundley, the WVU legend. Industrial giants, like Goodyear and Phillips 66 sponsored teams for many years.

Thanks so much for sharing your memories of what-used-to-be in North Central West Virginia.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



To Bill:

West Virginia. is the cradle of great college football coaches, including Lou Holtz, Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher. I wish they coached at WVU. Apparently, Jimbo said no, since he was the heir apparent at Florida State. I can understand that.

WVU does well, but we usually get the leftovers. We were lucky to grab Pat White, Slaton, Austin, Geno and others.

Rich Rod can't be blamed for going to Ann Arbor. I transferred from Potomac State to Michigan State and I was on the team that won the intramural basketball championship. Big deal? Yes. There were probably 50 teams including fraternities, dorms, and co-ops. We got great gifts and a big banquet. Fordy Anderson, the Michigan State basketball coach was our speaker. Just a little horn blowing. Sorry, this was 1956. I am still playing basketball at 80. Thank the LORD.

Jim Callis, (W I 9th & 10th grades) Greenbrier Military 1953

Reply To Jim:

West Virginia is indeed the cradle of great college football coaches. In addition to the ones you list, some others include John McKay, Fielding Yost and Ben Schwartzwalter. As I often write, these five coaches have won sixteen national championships between them. If Jimbo comes through, he would join their ranks and win No. 17. Throw in Rich Rod and a few others and you would be hard-pressed to find another state or part of a state (All of these come from the northern part of WVa) that could come close.

WVU has been very fortunate to have some great players in the last 10-15 years. Rich Rod recruited several of them. His leaving for the U of M was certainly his right, but in retrospect, I feel he wouldn't do it over again.

I'm sure your basketball years at Michigan State are fond memories. Intramural ball was always fun for me at WVU. I met some nice guys and some pretty good players.

Congratulations for being able to continue playing the sport.

Thanks for writing.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



To Bill:

It is truly a sad state that our Mountaineers are in. Poor coaching and poor recruiting and bad conference alignment ... The BIG 12.

Coaching and recruiting can be remedied by changes at the top. Remove Holgerson and find a proven leader and winner and team builder. Recruiting is going to be difficult. Belonging to the BIG 12 makes it difficult for players to want to attend WVU, because it is hard for family, friends and fans to travel to games and support the team. The players we used to recruit from WV, PA, OH, KY, NJ, NY, VA & FL are going to want to go to the ACC and/or the SEC schools. This is logical, because it is regional and close to home. On a competition level, I feel we are out of our league in the BIG 12. They are able to recruit bigger and better athletes. The perfect fit for us would have been the ACC. But why did the ACC not invite us to join their conference ? They invited Pitt, Louisville, Syracuse and Boston College (a few years ago), but not WVU. WHY ??? WVU could have been VERY competitive in the ACC. I live in NC and know that we could compete. Oliver Luck made a BIG mistake. He can not change it now. It is done and we will suffer. Our next AD needs to move conferences if the opportunity ever presents itself and I vote for the ACC.

John Petitto, NDHS 1964

Reply To John:

I don't disagree with most of your comments. I can, however, shed some light on some of your concerns and perhaps answer some of your questions.

First, WVU football is in a sad state if you are looking only at the won/loss column. 7--6 and 4--8 are not what the fans are used to. But, if, as you say, we can't compete in the Big 12, then it isn't the coaches fault, since our winning ways were due to a weaker conference. Changing coaches shouldn't make a difference. However, if you look at the financial side, we are in much better shape than we were previously. Right or wrong, today's game is big business and it is almost all about the bottom line.

If we are to succeed in the new conference, recruiting needs to change. Texas and parts in between need to be hit harder. Florida will still be a fertile recruiting state, but some of the eastern areas will be more difficult. The Big 12 is big time and kids still want the national exposure.

This brings us to the Big 12. Why the Big 12? Simply put, it was the only game in town. It is difficult to separate fact from rumor, but I'll try.

Fact---The Big Ten does not want WVU. They are all about the Big 10 Network, which generates between $25-$30 million per year per member. Our small population and small media market killed our chances. Rumor---Expansion is not dead. Georgia Tech (Atlanta), Texas (Dallas, Austin & Houston) and North Carolina (Charlotte and Raleigh/Durham) are targets for the Big 10. (TV Markets)

Fact---The SEC did not want WVU. Rumor---It's all supposedly because of academics. I've heard that Vanderbilt, among others, was strongly against inviting us to the SEC, even though Nick Saban lobbied long and hard for WVU.

Fact---The ACC didn't want us when they left the old Southern Conference to form their league. Fact---They didn't want us when they expanded to include BC, Va. Tech and Miami. Fact--- They still don't want us. Why? All of the Rumors point to the North Carolina "blue bloods" (UNC and Duke) blocking our bid. I suspect that the U of Va. and Virginia Tech were less than enthusiastic about us joining them, too. I feel there is still some bad blood between those two schools and WVU. Also, can you imagine Clemson wanting to embrace the Mountaineers, after the "Orange Bowl Smackdown".

That leaves the Big 12. Love him or hate him, Oliver Luck IS the reason we were invited to join that conference. Without his pull and respect, we would still be in the "American Athletic Conference" with U Conn and Cincinnati. Is the Big 12 a good fit? No. But, it is a major conference and we will be very well-off financially. Will we compete? Yes, eventually, unless we fans completely turn our backs on the school and force the administration to return to "the good old days". Unfortunately, those days are gone, so it appears that we need to suck it up and learn to play with the big boys.

I'm aware that much of this is not what most fans want to hear, but I've presented it as I've heard it. A lot of these are rumors, but most are pretty believable. Sadly, we will never know the whole truth and maybe we are better off not hearing all of it. The bottom line is that we need to support our teams in the Big 12 and show them what Mountaineers are really made of.

Great letter. Thanks for sending it. I welcome and encourage your comments. Send them to:

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



QUALITY HILL

Was there such a place or was just a slang title for a part of Clarksburg?

If it was real, can you describe where it was located?

Do you know anyone who lived there?

What do you know about Quality Hill? Did it exist? Does it still exist?

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MOORE'S OPERA HOUSE BEGIN TORN DOWN

submitted by: John Cooper (WI '51)

Here are some pictures of the progress of tearing down the Moore's Opera house in October, 1997.




Photo #1- Downstairs, theater stage boards removed, you can look into basement where the Harry Powers trial was held.




Photo #2- Balcony, projection booth with the two projector windows, the 2nd balcony was so steep,
if you tripped going to your seat, you could fall down over two or three rows.




Photo #3 shows start of knocking down the theater auditorium itself.




Photo #4 taken from Pike street looking up 4th street to Empire Bank..it is now BB&T BANK.
The theater was well constructed. Many stars, Gene Autry, Houdini, Irving Berlin,etc. played the boards.

How many WI grads spent time and their money in that theater.I sure did! After school on Friday afternoon- evenings, you could find me there..halfway down on an outside isle seat!.!



PICTURES FROM THE 50's AND 60's

submitted by: Babe and Stu Cashman (Babe WI '56)

This is the best collection of '50's photos I have ever seen in one group.

Enjoy photos (and for some of us, great memories) of 50s and early 60s classic cars, and the people that admired them new.

Put your curser on each photo for the caption.

Olga's Diner 1957 Montage X




OBITUARIES

GARY LEE POLING


Gary Lynn Poling, 67, of Clarksburg, WV, departed this life on Dec. 25, 2013, at his residence.

He was born in Philippi, WV, on July 29, 1946, a son of the late Howard R. Poling and Jean Freeman Poling.

He was preceded in death on Sept. 18, 2012, by his wife, Loretta Louise (Hammitt) Poling, to whom he was devoted as a caregiver for over eight years.

Surviving are two special granddaughters, Cristina Jenkins and Shawna Devericks, and a cousin, Annie Hershberger, who is the last surviving member of his immediate family. Gary was Methodist by faith.

Gary was one of the earliest members of the Harrison County Rescue Squad and served countless hours in the 1960s and 1970s. He was proud of being an emergency medical technician in North Central West Virginia.

Gary graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1964. He also graduated with a master's degree from WVU and then taught 38 years at Washington Irving and Robert C. Byrd High schools and 18 years at Fairmont State College. Since the 1960s, Mr. Poling did not miss a home game at West Virginia University.



CELIA LOU COLEMAN

Celia Lou Coleman, 74, of Bridgeport, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, at Grafton City Hospital in Grafton, WV.

She was born May 30, 1939, in Clarksburg, WV, a daughter of the late Paul D. Witty and Oma Strader Witty.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas M. Coleman Jr. of Bridgeport, WV; a son and daughter-in-law, Paul Stephen Ford and Susan Rawlings of Nutter Fort, WV; a dear and close friend that she considered like a daughter, Ellie Elsey of Boothsville, WV; two grandchildren, Joshua Michael Rawlings-Ford and Tabatha Ann Rawlings-Ford; a great-grandchild, Isahia Michael Rawlings; a sister, Brenda Goodwin of Stonewood, WV; a niece, Kelly; and five nephews, Chuck, Billie Jo, Jamie, Luke and Mark.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Patty Ann Ford.

Mrs. Coleman was a devout Christian, and every evening before falling asleep, she would pray to the Lord. She always would pray and give to others. Celia was a giving person and looked after everyone.

Celia graduated from Roosevelt-Wilson High School. After graduation she worked at United Hospital Center and retired after 35 years of service.



ALEXANDER GEORGE "ALEX" JAFFURS

Mr. Alexander George "Alex" Jaffurs, 57, of Hornor Avenue, Clarksburg, WV, passed away at 6:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, 2013, at the United Hospital Center following a courageous battle with lung cancer.

He was born in Pittsburgh, PA, March 29, 1956, a son of the late George A. Jaffurs and Georgia "Gia" Samaras Jaffurs.

Alex is survived by an uncle and aunt, Jimmy and Vickie Mouhasiris, Athens, Greece, and their children, Christopher, Johnny and Maria; cousins, Alexander and Maria Alex, Bridgeport, WV, George and Helen Alex, Burr Ridge, IL, and Evangeline Pappas, Charlottesville, VA; his best friend, Cathy Libert, Clarksburg, WV; and his loving pets, his dogs Midas, Theo and Paige.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his other dogs, Hara, Pericles, Faith, Hope and Maggie.

Mr. Jaffurs was a member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Clarksburg.

He had been employed as an airplane mechanic in aircraft maintenance



LENA A. OLIVERIO SAPPINGTON


Lena A. "Lena Sapp" Sappington (nee Oliverio) formerly of Clarksburg, W.Va., passed away suddenly Aug. 30, 2013, at the age of 91 years old, with family at her side. She went to Towers, Central and WI.

Beloved wife of the late Joseph Neill "Zip" Sappington, also from Clarksburg. Lena is preceded in death by 12 brothers and sisters.

She is survived by daughters, Susan (John) Basehore of Gilbert, Ariz., Pamela (Mark) Ruder of Oconomowoc, Wis.; and son, Kenneth Sappington of Clarksburg, W.Va.; her sister, Margaret (Cosmo) Donato of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.



WILLIAM E. "POPPY" TIANO

William E. "Poppy" Tiano Sr., 85, of Clarksburg, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born March 29, 1928, in Clarksburg, the son of the late Joseph A. Tiano and Angelina Guzzo Tiano.

Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara R. Tomaro Tiano, whom he wed on June 24, 1950.

Also surviving are a daughter, Mary Beth Barberio and husband, John Michael, Clarksburg; two sons, William E. Tiano Jr. and companion Tom Day, Clarksburg, and Robert Joseph Tiano and wife Lisa, Clarksburg; seven grandchildren,; one great-grandchild, one sister, Mary Paletta, Clarksburg; two brothers, John "Sheriff Tiano, Clarksburg, and Joseph A. "Babe" Tiano, and wife Frances, Bridgeport; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many loving friends.



JOSEPH DAVID PEET

Mr. Joseph David Peet, 58, of Goff Avenue, Clarksburg, WV, passed away at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2013, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Weston, WV.

He was born July 23, 1955, in Clarksburg, WV, a son of the late James F. Peet and Mary Louise Prunty Peet.

Surviving are his wife of 38 years, Pamela Lynn (Perri) Peet, whom he married July 24, 1975; two sons, Perri Joseph Peet, Providence, RI, and Patrick James Peet, Clarksburg, WV; two brothers and a sister-in-law, James F. Peet II, Fayetteville, WV, and Timothy D. and Mary Peet, Clarksburg, WV; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Diana L. (Peet) and Dean Hickman, Hilliard, OH, and Sharon "Shery" Peet Wimer, Belpre, OH; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mr. Peet was Methodist by faith. He was a graduate of Victory High School — Class of 1973. He attended Salem College and received his Master's Degree from West Virginia University. He was a teacher and principal in Harrison County schools for over 17 years, before going to work at Elkins Mountain School as a court liaison for over 10 years.



DAVID ANDREW SIMON



David Andrew Simon, age 48 of Bridgeport departed this life on Thurs., Dec. 19, 2013 at the Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV.

He was born in Clarksburg on Aug. 11, 1965, a son of Thomas R. Simon and Geraldine (Flannery) Simon of Anmoore.

Also surviving are his former wife, Heather Hall, a son, Andrew Thomas Simon, Bridgeport, WV, two brothers, Stephen Simon and Tracie and Robert Simon and two nephews.

He also was preceded in death by an infant brother, Tommy Simon.

Mr. Simon was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Clarksburg. Also he was a graduate of Notre Dame High School. Mr. Simon was a letter carrier for the post office in Bridgeport and previously employed by Beverage Distributors.



EUGENE CLIFFORD SNYDER

Eugene Clifford Snyder, age 91, passed away on December 24, 2013.

He was the son of the late Ralph S. and Clara Eisenman Snyder.

On April 3, 1944, Mr. Snyder was married to Pauline Polly Williams Snyder, who survives, at Maple Lake. He is also survived by two sons, Ronald Lee, married to Sue Warder Snyder, Bernville, PA, and Kenneth Lynn, married to Rae McKinley Snyder, Melbourne, FL; and one daughter, Paula Jean Snyder Flint, married to Roger Flint, Maple Lake. He is survived by three grandsons, Steven S. Snyder, married to Shelly Gardner Snyder, Schnecksville, PA, Justin L. Flint, married to Christina Wienke Flint, Flagstaff, AZ, and Todd M. Flint, Pasa Robles, California; and two granddaughters, Leah M. Flint Williams, married to Chad Williams, Morgantown, WV, and Taylor Jean Snyder, daughter of Kenneth and the late Nancy Whalen Snyder. He had three great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters.

One brother, Harold V. Snyder, Parkersburg, WV, is deceased.

Mr. Snyder graduated in 1940 from WI High School and went to work immediately for the federal government as a photographer and model builder at Langley Field in Virginia. When World War II began, he enlisted in the Aviation Cadet program in the Army Air Force, graduating as a second lieutenant and was a captain by the time the war ended. Most of those years were spent as an instructor teaching many young cadets to fly AT6s. He began training to fly B29s, ready to go overseas when the war ended. He was very proud of his four years serving his country.



PATRICK DANIEL FRAGMIN

Patrick Daniel Fragmin, 48, of Washington, D.C., entered into eternal rest on Monday, December 23, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer in Anmoore.

Patrick was born in Clarksburg to the late Dominick "Bay" and Patricia "Patty" Fragmin on Feb. 17, 1965. He graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1983. He went on to Washington, D.C. to pursue a career in the Culinary Arts.

He was employed by both the St. Regis Hotel and The Hay Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C. for over twenty years. He enjoyed travel, movies, playing with his dog Rosie, and helping people. He was an active member of Local 25 Hospitality Union where he has served many years as a union leader.

He is survived by his loving sister, Anna (Simon) Harvey, his two brothers Larry Anthony "Tony" Fragmin (Brenda) and William "Shawn" Fragmin (Shannon); 3 nieces and 3 nephews.





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